Why You Should Stop Applying Product with Dry Cotton Balls

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Cotton balls are common cosmetic items that can probably be found somewhere in most people’s bathrooms, right next to their skincare products. However, these are not the best tools to use to apply products to your skin, and here’s why.

They Waste Product

A dry cotton ball is like a sponge: it will soak up a large amount of the skincare product that you put onto it, leaving little for your skin. Although some people recommend wetting a cotton ball before using it to apply products to your skin, this can get messy and end up watering down your products while you apply them.

They Can Dry Your Skin

Not to mention the high-quality skincare products you’ve just applied.

If the sensation of rubbing your nails on dry cotton balls makes your spine shiver, imagine what they’re doing to your skin. When you swipe a dry cotton ball along your skin, tiny pieces will inevitably be left behind, where they can sit all day long and soak up vital moisture from your skin, not to mention the high-quality skincare products you’ve just applied.

They May Irritate Sensitive Skin

Cotton balls may also irritate your skin, especially if it tends to be on the sensitive side. Most cotton balls have been bleached for cosmetic use, which may trigger a skin sensitivity in certain skin types. Cotton balls and pads can also be fairly rough in texture, which can lead to more irritation.

They Can Pull on Your Skin

This is especially a concern in the delicate eye area.

You might have never thought of your cotton balls as being a source of lines and wrinkles on your skin, but they can be. Because the cotton fibers pull at your skin as you swipe them across it, this method of applying your products can tug at your skin and lead to the appearance of lines and wrinkles over time. This is especially a concern in the delicate eye area, where your skin is thinner than on other areas of your face.

Tips for Applying Skincare Products Like a Pro

This is especially important if you’re using your fingertips to put on product.

So if you’re not supposed to use cotton balls, what can you do to more efficiently apply your skincare products? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Always wash your hands before applying your cosmetic products. This is especially important if you’re using your fingertips to put on product.

If a moisturizer or anti-aging cream is cold, it may be difficult to easily spread onto your skin. To remedy this, warm the cream between your fingertips for a few moments before applying.

Use a gentle dabbing or blotting motion to apply products to your face, especially in the eye area. Try to avoid harsh rubbing and pulling, as this can lead to lines and wrinkles.

Try using smooth toning cloths or spray bottles to apply products like toners that may be difficult to apply with your fingertips.

In fact, many women and men may feel that their dermatologist-recommended skincare products aren’t working, when it could be that they’re simply not properly applying them. Instead, use these tips to help you get the most out of your anti-aging and other skincare products for the smooth, youthful-looking complexion you want.